Paetongtarn’s pledge: No more Shinawatra slip-ups

Thailand’s youngest Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra pledged to avoid the political disasters plaguing her father and aunt. Addressing the media for the first time after her royal endorsement yesterday, the 37 year old Thai premier made a bold promise to dodge the fate of Thaksin and Yingluck Shinawatra.

The US-born Thai politician made known she is keen to avoid her father’s and aunt’s misfortunes following a traditional ceremony marking her official appointment.

“Neither did they. My focus now is to excel in my role and move beyond these concerns.”

Paetongtarn, the third Shinawatra to take the helm of Thailand, faces a formidable challenge. Her predecessors, Thaksin and Yingluck, both faced dramatic oustings by military coups—Thaksin on September 19, 2006, and Yingluck on May 22, 2014. They were also embroiled in corruption scandals, with Thaksin serving time before his sentence was slashed thanks to royal clemency, and Yingluck fleeing the country after being sentenced to five years for corruption.

Despite the shadow of her family’s tumultuous past, Paetongtarn is ready to chart a new course. During her press conference, she laid out her agenda: continuing the economic policies of her predecessor, Srettha Thavisin, tackling illegal drugs, improving healthcare, and boosting gender diversity. She also assured that the controversial digital wallet policy would remain, albeit with a pledge for greater fiscal prudence.

With her family’s legacy looming large, Paetongtarn’s promise to break the cycle of political strife is set to be one of the most-watched stories in Thai politics.

“The goal is to stimulate the economy so this intention remains.”

Government policies

Paetongtarn also clarified that she has no plans to appoint her father to any government position but would seek his advice. She addressed concerns about being under her father’s influence, asserting that both she and other Shinawatra family members have their own opinions.

She emphasised the importance of her father’s vision.

“Details of the government’s policies will be presented to parliament next month.”

The royal ratification ceremony took place yesterday after Paetongtarn won a Parliament vote on Friday by an almost two-thirds majority. The 37 year old was selected for the prime ministerial post after the Constitutional Court dismissed Srettha over an ethics violation case.

During the ceremony, Paetongtarn knelt in homage to a portrait of the king before giving a speech thanking him and the people’s representatives for endorsing her. She admitted she had never planned on becoming prime minister but assured all Thais of her readiness to serve them fully.

She acknowledged the significant responsibility of leading the nation, especially in the face of economic challenges, and promised to act with honesty and loyalty to the royal institution for the utmost benefit of the public and the nation.

Thai dreams

In her address, Paetongtarn emphasised the need for cooperation among all sectors in Thailand, reported Bangkok Post.

“This mission is a great one and cannot be accomplished by the prime minister alone. I expect to coordinate power among those of all generations and capable people in all sectors of Thailand, including the Cabinet, coalition parties, civil servants, the private sector, and the public.

“I will promote the development of all Thais’ potential and skills and make every square inch in Thailand a space where Thais can have their dreams, use their creativity, and shape their future.

“I, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, as the Prime Minister, will do my duty to the best of my ability and make Thailand a country of equal opportunity and happiness for all fellow Thai people.”